November 2011, Beninc City, Nigeria – In fulfillment of the signed workplan with Edo State Government, United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) organized a 5-day capacity building workshop from 24th–28th of October 2011 at the Baden Baden Exquisite Motel in Benin City to encapsulate her obligation of building the capacity of stakeholders for sustainable development in the State. This is a milestone achievement because UNITAR once again fulfilled its entire obligation to the signed contract with the state.

The 5-day workshop was organized in collaboration with The Edo State Government for state Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). The workshop was declared opened by the Secretary to the State Government – Dr Simon Imuekemhe, KSM, JP ably represented by Pastor Godwin Enobakhare – Permanent Secretary Directorate of Cabinet, Political Matters and Special Duties. In attendance were UNITAR’s Head/Resident Representative – Dr Larry Boms.

Vitor Dionizio and Daniel Genberg from ITC ILO in Turin facilitated the training. The training which was geared to strengthen the technical and managerial competencies needed for monitoring and evaluating projects and programmes in the state was achieved. At the end of the workshop, participants expressed their gratitude to UNITAR and the Edo State Government for organizing a highly educative, interactive, and informative workshop.

In the communiqué released participants recommended amongst others that

i) the department of budget and planning should ensure that funds are appropriated for the effective operation of M & E in the various MDAs in the state.

ii). There should be legislation for the integration of M & E Departments in the MDAs in the state as a short term deliverable of this workshop.

iii). Subsequent courses should run for at least 2 weeks for effective assimilation of the course content.